Upcoming Event: Woolfest

Woolfest, the UK's biggest celebration of natural fibers, will be held June 22nd and 23rd at Mitchell's Lakeland Livestock Centre near Cockermouth, Cumbria. The event will feature a variety of demonstrations & workshops, as well as rare-breed sheep showing the story of fleece to garment. In addition, a wide variety of crafters & designers will be set up selling their wares. One of the stallholders is Victoria Baker of Little Wren Pottery. She will be displaying her full collection of yarn bowls. Little Wren Pottery has been producing hand-thrown ceramics in the city of Sunderland since 2009. The studio focuses on producing everyday objects which are both elegant & functional. You will find all the details regarding Woolfest on the event website, as well as Facebook. (Photo from Woolfest Gallery)

The WonderCraft

This month, The WonderCraft will be mixing it up with their Mix & Make Happy Hour events all around Austin. The WonderCraft is an innovative, community-centered mobile craft studio offering classes to students of all ages in Austin, Texas. Classes are offered through partnerships with local businesses, community groups, and schools. The WonderCraft offers customized crafting parties, crafting demonstrations with "make and take" projects, DIY craft kits created by local artists & handmade products. The WonderCraft's mission is to sustain a creative lifestyle for their staff, students, & local artists while supporting the local economy and greater Austin community. In addition, The WonderCraft strives to provide artistic outreach programs with local schools & organizations that serve at-risk students & children in need such as The Helping Hand Home for Children & The Ronald McDonald House.

September 4th @ Speakeasy, 412 Congress Ave.; 4-7pm - Make 'n Take Project
Admission: $15 early sign-up; $18 at event. Includes class, materials, entry into a giveaway, & two drinks (Cosmos, Margaritas and Wines by the glass).

September 14th @ Cuba Libre, 409 Colorado St.; 4-10pm
Drop in, grab a tasty appetizer and drink & work on making your own drink/wine charms with The WonderCraft.
Admission: $18 early sign-up; $20 at event. Includes class, materials, entry into a giveaway, one drink (Drafts, Wine by the glass, or Cosmopolitan Martinis) & your choice of chicken or cheese quesadillas.

September 17th @ Imperia, 310 Colorado St.; 4-7pm
Drop in, grab a cosmo and a California roll & work on making your own upcycled hats and scarves with The WonderCraft.
Admission: $18 early sign-up; $20 at event. Includes class, materials, entry into a giveaway, one drink (Specialty Martinis) & a California roll.

September 26 @ Jerry's Artarama, 6010 N.IH 35
Stop by Jerry's Artarama for a day filled with DIY fun. On-site demos by The WonderCraft, including a special appearance of "Stella," The WonderCraft's mobile crafting unit/Airstream trailer. Also enjoy the in-store watercolor demos by Kathleen McElwaine and tasty refreshments by NadaMoo! Featuring music by student band The Rotators lead by instructor Ross Carnes of the Sri Atmananda Memorial School. This is a day of fun for the whole family, so be sure to bring out the kiddos! Admission is free.

Deluxe Oklahoma City

If you live remotely close to Oklahoma City, you don't want to miss the Deluxe indie craft bazaar. The event will take place Saturday, May 9, from 12-6pm. Admission is free and the event will be held at the State Fairgrounds Centennial Building in Oklahoma City. The first 50 customers will receive goodies bags & there will also be door prizes, including gift certificates to RED Prime Steak and Cheevers Cafe. Other things you don't want to miss include craft demonstrations, the Central Oklahoma Polymer Clay Guild meeting and demonstration from 1-4pm, and a free Seed Exchange with local blogger Urban Garden Hoe from 4-5pm. Check out the vendor list before heading out.